Toyota Prius

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Model Overview

No other vehicle is as synonymous with the word “hybrid” as the Toyota Prius, and since it’s introduction, the model has consistently raised the bar when it comes to using as little fuel as possible. Available as a standard hybrid or a plug-in called the Prius Prime, the Toyota Prius gives you multiple ways to drive efficiently without sacrificing practicality and comfort.

History

While it was originally introduced in 1997, the first-generation Toyota Prius didn’t arrive in the U.S. until the 2001 model year and was only on sale until 2003. The car’s hybrid powertrain used a 1.5-liter I-4 coupled to an electric motor, nickel-metal hydride battery and a single-speed transmission.

Toyota introduced the second-generation Prius for the 2004 model year, and its exterior design changed drastically from a conventional-looking sedan to a more aerodynamic four-door with a large liftback-type hatch. The single-speed transmission and powertrain from the outgoing car carried over and has a total system output of 110 hp. Motor Trend gave the 2004 Car of the Year award to the second-generation Prius thanks to its impressive fuel economy, spacious interior, and practicality. “Having completed weeks of testing and over-the-road evaluations, our editors agree that, in this year’s highly diverse and competitive field, one entry shines more brilliantly than any other. The all-new Toyota Prius, a roomy, feature-packed, and user-friendly gas/electric hybrid capable of delivering an astonishing 60 miles per gallon in city driving, is the 2004 Motor Trend Car of the Year,” we said.

For the third-generation Prius, which debuted in model year 2009 and was produced until 2015, the car’s wedge-shaped design underwent an evolutionary rework for improved aerodynamics and fuel economy. The car also received a new hybrid powertrain that now comes with a larger 1.8-liter I-4 paired to the electric motor for a total system output of 134 hp. A few years after the standard third-generation Prius was introduced, a plug-in hybrid variant arrived and instead of the nickel-metal hydride battery, the electric motor is backed by a lithium-ion battery, allowing it to travel 11 miles in EV mode.

The Latest Generation

Introduced for the 2016 model year, the current fourth-generation Prius still features a wedge-shaped exterior but now has a more aggressive front and rear fascia and more angular headlight clusters. While the powertrain from the previous-generation car carried over, it has been revised significantly for better efficiency, and the electric motor is now paired to a lithium-ion battery on all but the base model, which still has a nickel-metal hydride unit. Additionally, we noted in a 2016 First Test that the hybrid powertrain is more refined and stays in EV mode more frequently. “The car stays in full-electric driving more often and more easily than the last model while employing normal gas pedal usage. And when the engine does need to turn on, it isn’t as noisy,” we said. Additionally, the car now sports independent suspension all around, which has improved the Prius’ ride and handling. “There’s a night and day difference dynamically between the new car and the last one. For starters, the new chassis feels so much livelier than the old car’s. It can take the power (what little there is of it) and really put it down well. Steering is relatively precise, brake pedal feel is very good for a hybrid, and while flat-out acceleration will never be described as fast, it’s certainly good enough,” we said in a 2016 First Drive.

At the 2016 New York auto show, Toyota introduced the Prius Prime, the plug-in variant of its segment-defining hybrid. In order to differentiate it from the standard car, the Prius Prime features unique front and rear fascias, an available 11.6-inch touchscreen, and a four-passenger seating capacity due to the larger lithium-ion battery. Compared to its predecessor, the EV range of the Prius Prime has been doubled to 22 miles per charge. In a First Drive, we said that the Prius Prime is much improved over its predecessor, offering a usable EV range and a good ride despite it being heavier than the standard car. “Toyota seems to have the ingredients for a good argument here. The Prime finally has (just) enough battery for most folks’ needs and provides a proper EV experience—with it all backed up by the world’s most popular hybrid mode,” we said.

Why You’d Consider One

Achieving excellent fuel economy remains the Toyota Prius’ main mission and it excels at that without sacrificing practicality. With the addition of an improved plug-in variant, the Prius gives you another option in your quest for environmentally friendly motoring and usable EV mode range.

Why You’d Look Elsewhere

Compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Volt, the Toyota Prius isn’t very fun to drive and while it did receive an independent rear suspension, driving dynamics are still not a big priority for this hybrid. Additionally, the current car’s angry and polarizing exterior design may be too unconventional for the average consumer.